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Transsexual Qualifies for Ladies European Tour

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TARANTO, Italy -- Mianne Bagger, a 37-year-old Dane, became the first transsexual golfer to qualify for the Ladies European Tour.

Bagger shot a 5-over-par 77 Wednesday to tie for ninth place after four rounds in qualifying school at the Riva dei Tessali golf club.

'It's been a long week and tough for many reasons, but I'm naturally delighted to be able to finally fulfill my childhood ambition,' Bagger said. 'I sold up everything that I owned in Australia to fund this year and I have nothing but friends and family, but now I feel rich.'

In March, at the women's Australian Open, Bagger became the first transsexual to play in a pro golf tournament.

The Ladies European Tour changed its rules this year to eliminate the 'female at birth' in its membership policy. The rule change put the golf tour in line with International Olympic Committee regulations.

Mirian Nagl of Germany topped the qualifying school, finishing at 3-under 285 after a 71 Wednesday.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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